Top 10 Dario Argento Horror Films

Description: This film marks Argento's directorial debut and introduces his signature style of giallo, a subgenre of Italian thriller-horror. It follows an American writer who becomes entangled in a series of brutal murders in Rome.

Fact: The film was a commercial success, launching Argento's career and setting the stage for his future giallo films. It was also one of the first Italian films to be dubbed in English for international distribution.

Description: The second installment in Argento's "Three Mothers" trilogy, "Inferno" explores the dark secrets of an ancient New York apartment building, where a student discovers her brother's research into the occult.

Fact: The film was shot on location in New York, giving it a unique, gritty feel compared to Argento's usual Italian settings. The film's ending was significantly altered for its international release.

Description: A young girl with the ability to communicate with insects becomes embroiled in a murder investigation at her Swiss boarding school. This film blends horror with elements of fantasy and science fiction.

Fact: Jennifer Connelly stars as the young protagonist, marking one of her early roles. The film was shot in Switzerland, adding to its eerie, isolated atmosphere.

Description: A female police detective suffers from the Stendhal syndrome, causing her to hallucinate and lose her grip on reality while investigating a series of brutal rapes and murders.

Fact: The film was inspired by a real psychological condition where individuals experience physical reactions to art. Asia Argento, daughter of Dario, stars in this film.

Description: A pianist witnesses a brutal murder and becomes obsessed with uncovering the killer's identity, leading to a labyrinth of clues and red herrings. This film is a masterclass in suspense and visual storytelling.

Fact: The film's score was composed by Goblin, marking the beginning of a long collaboration between Argento and the band. The iconic poster of the film features a hand with a knife, which has become synonymous with giallo.

Description: Perhaps Argento's most famous work, "Suspiria" follows an American ballet student who uncovers a coven of witches at her new dance academy. The film is renowned for its vivid colors, eerie atmosphere, and groundbreaking use of sound.

Fact: The film was shot in Technicolor, which was rare for the time, giving it its distinctive, almost surreal visual style. The soundtrack by Goblin is considered one of the best in horror cinema.

Description: An American author visits Rome to promote his latest book, only to find himself at the center of a series of murders inspired by his own work. This film is known for its meta-narrative and stylish kills.

Fact: The film features a cameo by Argento himself as a TV reporter. The original ending was changed due to negative audience reactions during test screenings.

Description: A detective investigates a series of murders that eerily resemble those committed by a killer from 17 years ago, leading him to question if the killer is back or if there's a copycat.

Fact: The film was a return to form for Argento, focusing on the giallo elements that made him famous. It was also one of the last films he made before his style began to shift.

Description: A serial killer challenges the police to a game of online poker, with the lives of his victims hanging in the balance. This film explores the intersection of technology and horror.

Fact: The film was one of the first to incorporate internet technology into its plot, making it somewhat ahead of its time in terms of horror themes.

Description: A young opera singer is forced to witness a series of murders during a performance of "Macbeth." The film is noted for its operatic score and intense, visually striking scenes.

Fact: The film features a scene where pins are taped to the singer's eyes to keep them open, which has become one of the most iconic and disturbing images in Argento's filmography.